Successful cryopreservation in biodegradable containers of sperm from aquaculture Mediterranean fishes.

We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hard-gelatin and hard-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules as biodegradable alternative containers to plastic straws in European eel (Anguilla anguilla), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sperm cryopreservation. Sperm samples from each European eel (n = 12) were diluted 1:8:1 (sperm: extender P1+5 % egg yolk: methanol). Gilthead seabream (n = 12) samples were individually diluted in a cryoprotectant solution of 5 % Me2SO + NaCl 1 % plus BSA (10 mg mL-1) at a ratio of 1:6 (sperm: cryoprotectant solution). European sea bass (n = 10) sperm from each male was diluted in non-activating medium (NAM) at a ratio of 1:5.7 (sperm: NAM), and 5 % of Me2SO was added. The diluted European eel and sea bass sperm aliquots (0.5 mL) were individually filled in plastic straws (0.5 mL), hard-gelatin, and HPMC capsules (0.68 mL). Gilthead seabream diluted sperm (0.25 mL) were filled in plastic straws (0.25 mL) and identical capsules described. All samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in a liquid nitrogen tank. Sperm kinetic parameters were evaluated by CASA-Mot software. Sperm membrane integrity was performed using a Live and Dead KIT and an epifluorescence microscope. To quantify DNA damage, the alkaline comet assay was performed and TailDNA (TD-%) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM) were evaluated by CaspLab software. Sperm cryopreservation of the three Mediterranean species in straws, gelatin, or HPMC capsules reduced the kinetic parameters and cell membrane integrity. Generally, the post-thawing samples cryopreserved in straws and capsules did not differ for the kinetic parameters and cell membrane integrity, except for European sea bass sperm, where the samples stored in gelatin capsules showed higher velocities (VCL - 100; VSL - 76; VAP - 90 µm s-1) than the sperm stored in HPMC capsules (VCL - 87; VSL - 59; VAP - 73 µm s-1). The cryopreservation process did not damage the sperm DNA of European eel and European sea bass, regardless of the containers used. On the other hand, gilthead seabream sperm cryopreserved in gelatin (TD - 9.8 %; OTM - 9.7) and HPMC (TD - 11.1 %; OTM - 11.2) capsules showed higher DNA damage than fresh samples (TD - 3.6 %; OTM - 2.7) and the sperm stored in straws (TD - 4.4 %; OTM - 5.2). The hard-gelatin and HPMC biodegradable capsules can be used as an alternative to straws for European eel, gilthead seabream, and European sea bass sperm cryopreservation.

Broodstock nutritional programming differentially affects the hepatic transcriptome and genome-wide DNA methylome of farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) depending on genetic background.

BACKGROUND: Broodstock nutritional programming improves the offspring utilization of plant-based diets in gilthead sea bream through changes in hepatic metabolism. Attention was initially focused on fatty acid desaturases, but it can involve a wide range of processes that remain largely unexplored. How all this can be driven by a different genetic background is hardly underlined, and the present study aimed to assess how broodstock nutrition affects differentially the transcriptome and genome-wide DNA methylome of reference and genetically selected fish within the PROGENSA® selection program. RESULTS: After the stimulus phase with a low fish oil diet, two offspring subsets of each genetic background received a control or a FUTURE-based diet. This highlighted a different hepatic transcriptome (RNA-seq) and genome-wide DNA methylation (MBD-seq) pattern depending on the genetic background. The number of differentially expressed transcripts following the challenge phase varied from 323 in reference fish to 2,009 in genetically selected fish. The number of discriminant transcripts, and associated enriched functions, were also markedly higher in selected fish. Moreover, correlation analysis depicted a hyper-methylated and down-regulated gene expression state in selected fish with the FUTURE diet, whereas the opposite pattern appeared in reference fish. After filtering for highly represented functions in selected fish, 115 epigenetic markers were retrieved in this group. Among them, lipid metabolism genes (23) were the most reactive following ordering by fold-change in expression, rendering a final list of 10 top markers with a key role on hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism (cd36, pitpna, cidea, fasn, g6pd, lipt1, scd1a, acsbg2, acsl14, acsbg2). CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression profiles and methylation signatures were dependent on genetic background in our experimental model. Such assumption affected the magnitude, but also the type and direction of change. Thus, the resulting epigenetic clock of reference fish might depict an older phenotype with a lower methylation for the epigenetically responsive genes with a negative methylation-expression pattern. Therefore, epigenetic markers will be specific of each genetic lineage, serving the broodstock programming in our selected fish to prevent and mitigate later in life the risk of hepatic steatosis through changes in hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism.

Direct observation of geometric-phase interference in dynamics around a conical intersection.

Conical intersections are ubiquitous in chemistry and physics, often governing processes such as light harvesting, vision, photocatalysis and chemical reactivity. They act as funnels between electronic states of molecules, allowing rapid and efficient relaxation during chemical dynamics. In addition, when a reaction path encircles a conical intersection, the molecular wavefunction experiences a geometric phase, which can affect the outcome of the reaction through quantum-mechanical interference. Past experiments have measured indirect signatures of geometric phases in scattering patterns and spectroscopic observables, but there has been no direct observation of the underlying wavepacket interference. Here we experimentally observe geometric-phase interference in the dynamics of a wavepacket travelling around an engineered conical intersection in a programmable trapped-ion quantum simulator. To achieve this, we develop a technique to reconstruct the two-dimensional wavepacket densities of a trapped ion. Experiments agree with the theoretical model, demonstrating the ability of analogue quantum simulators-such as those realized using trapped ions-to accurately describe nuclear quantum effects.

Radiocirugía estereotáctica con Gamma Knife como tratamiento del temblor esencial y parkinsoniano: experiencia a largo plazo / Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery as a treatment for essential and parkinsonian tremor: long-term experience

Introducción: La radiocirugía estereotáctica con Gamma Knife® (GK), sobre el núcleo ventral intermedio-medial del tálamo (VIM), unilateral es una opción neuroquirúrgica mínimamente invasiva para el temblor refractario. Se describe la experiencia de talamotomía con GK (TGK) en pacientes con temblor esencial (TE) y enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) de predominio tremórico de una unidad especializada en cirugía estereotáctica.MétodosSe revisan los pacientes tratados con TGK desde enero de 2014 hasta febrero de 2018. Se analizan variables clínico-demográficas, indicación, dosis empleada, eficacia (mediante subescalas de Fahn-Tolosa-Marin (FTM) y MDS-UPDRS motora) y efectos adversos (EA).ResultadosSe registraron 13 pacientes, seis con diagnóstico de EP de predominio tremórico, cuetro con TE refractario y tres casos de TE + EP. La mediana de edad fue 78 años (62-83), con siete pacientes > 75 años. Cuatro pacientes anticoagulados y dos con antecedentes de ictus previo. La dosis máxima de radiación aplicada fue 130 Gy. La media de seguimiento fue 30,0 (14,5) meses. Se observó una mejoría significativa del temblor en las subescalas de FTM del 63,6% a 12 meses y del 63,5% al final del seguimiento y en items de temblor de MDS-UPDRS del 71,3% a 12 meses y del 60,3% al final del seguimiento. Once pacientes refirieron mejoría significativa en su calidad de vida. Tres pacientes refirieron EA leves y transitorios.ConclusionesSe presenta la mayor serie de pacientes con TE y parkinsoniano tratados con TGK en España con seguimiento a largo plazo. La TGK puede ser un tratamiento seguro y con eficacia mantenida en temblor refractario, incluso en edad avanzada o en tratamiento anticoagulante. (AU)

Introduction: Unilateral Gamma Knife™ stereotactic radiosurgery on the ventral-intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is a minimally invasive neurosurgical option for refractory tremor. We describe the experience of Gamma Knife™ thalamotomy (GKT) in patients with essential tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (PD) at our specialised stereotactic neurosurgery unit.MethodsWe reviewed the cases of patients treated with GKT between January 2014 and February 2018 with a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up. We analysed clinical and demographic variables, indication, radiation dose, effectiveness (based on subscales of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin [FTM] scale and the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] motor score), and adverse events.ResultsThirteen patients were registered, 6 with a diagnosis of tremor-dominant PD, four with refractory ET, and three with ET and PD. Median age was 78 years (range, 62-83), with seven patients aged over 75 years. Four patients were receiving anticoagulants and two had history of stroke. The maximum radiation dose administered was 130 Gy. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up duration was 30.0 (14.5) months. Significant tremor improvement was observed on the FTM subscales: 63.6% at 12 months and 63.5% at the end of follow-up; MDS-UPDRS tremor items showed improvements of 71.3% at 12 months and 60.3% at the end of follow up. Eleven patients reported significant improvements in quality of life, and 3 reported mild and transient adverse effects.ConclusionsThis is the largest series of patients with essential and parkinsonian tremor treated with GKT and followed up in the long term in Spain. GKT can be safe and effective in the long term in patients with refractory tremor, including in elderly patients and those receiving anticoagulants. (AU)

Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery as a treatment for essential and parkinsonian tremor: long-term experience.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral Gamma Knife™ stereotactic radiosurgery on the ventral-intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is a minimally invasive neurosurgical option for refractory tremor. We describe the experience of Gamma Knife™ thalamotomy (GKT) in patients with essential tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (PD) at our specialised stereotactic neurosurgery unit. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of patients treated with GKT between January 2014 and February 2018 with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. We analysed clinical and demographic variables, indication, radiation dose, effectiveness (based on subscales of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin [FTM] scale and the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] motor score), and adverse events. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were registered, 6 with a diagnosis of tremor-dominant PD, four with refractory ET, and three with ET and PD. Median age was 78 years (range, 62-83), with seven patients aged over 75 years. Four patients were receiving anticoagulants and two had history of stroke. The maximum radiation dose administered was 130 Gy. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up duration was 30.0 (14.5) months. Significant tremor improvement was observed on the FTM subscales: 63.6% at 12 months and 63.5% at the end of follow-up; MDS-UPDRS tremor items showed improvements of 71.3% at 12 months and 60.3% at the end of follow up. Eleven patients reported significant improvements in quality of life, and 3 reported mild and transient adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series of patients with essential and parkinsonian tremor treated with GKT and followed up in the long term in Spain. GKT can be safe and effective in the long term in patients with refractory tremor, including in elderly patients and those receiving anticoagulants.

Design and selection of peptides to block the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain by molecular docking.

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently one of the most contagious viruses in existence and the cause of the worst pandemic in this century, COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection begins with the recognition of the cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme-2 by its spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD). Thus, the use of small peptides to neutralize the infective mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 through the RBD is an interesting strategy. The binding ability of 104 peptides (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Antimicrobial Peptide Database) to the RBD was assessed using molecular docking. Based on the molecular docking results, peptides with great affinity to the RBD were selected. The most common amino acids involved in the recognition of the RBD were identified to design novel peptides based on the number of hydrogen bonds that were formed. At physiological pH, these peptides are almost neutral and soluble in aqueous media. Interestingly, several peptides showed the capability to bind to the active surface area of the RBD of the Wuhan strain, as well as to the RBD of the Delta variant and other SARS-Cov-2 variants. Therefore, these peptides have promising potential in the treatment of the COVID-19 disease caused by different variants of SARS-CoV-2. This research work will be focused on the molecular docking of peptides by molecular dynamics, in addition to an analysis of the possible interaction of these peptides with physiological proteins. This methodology could be extended to design peptides that are active against other viruses.

Transcriptomic profiling of Gh/Igf system reveals a prompted tissue-specific differentiation and novel hypoxia responsive genes in gilthead sea bream.

A customized PCR-array was used for the simultaneous gene expression of the Gh/Igf system and related markers of muscle growth, and lipid and energy metabolism during early life stages of gilthead sea bream (60-127 days posthatching). Also, transcriptional reprogramming by mild hypoxia was assessed in fingerling fish with different history trajectories on O2 availability during the same time window. In normoxic fish, the expression of almost all the genes in the array varied over time with a prompted liver and muscle tissue-specific differentiation, which also revealed temporal changes in the relative expression of markers of the full gilthead sea bream repertoire of Gh receptors, Igfs and Igf-binding proteins. Results supported a different contribution through development of ghr and igf subtypes on the type of action of GH via systemic or direct effects at the local tissue level. This was extensive to Igfbp1/2/4 and Igfbp3/5/6 clades that clearly evolved through development as hepatic and muscle Igfbp subtypes, respectively. This trade-off is however very plastic to cope changes in the environment, and ghr1 and igfbp1/3/4/5 emerged as hypoxic imprinting genes during critical early developmental windows leading to recognize individuals with different history trajectories of oxygen availability and metabolic capabilities later in life.

Effect of the Melicoccus bijugatus leaf and fruit extracts and acidic solvents on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan-starch films.

AIM: Analysing the antimicrobial activity-against food-borne micro-organisms-of modified chitosan-starch films using formic and acetic acid as chitosan solvents and Melicoccus bijugatus leaves and fruit extracts. METHODS AND RESULTS: The films' antimicrobial activity against mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total coliform and fungi were also analysed, in accordance with the Mexican Official Norms (NOM-092-SSA1-1994, NOM-111-SSA1-1994 and NOM-113-SSA1-1994). The pH values of the films and extracts were measured, and the volatile compounds of the extracts and two films were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) considering the relationship among the type of compounds, extracts concentration, films' pH and the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. The best results are obtained by films with formic acid and 10% (v/v) of leaf and fruit extracts, in comparison with untreated chitosan-starch films. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts' compounds improved the films' antimicrobial capacity and inhibited the growth of micro-organisms with no previous sterilization required. It is correlated to the pH of the media, the combination of solvent/extract used and its concentration. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is one of the few researches where the antimicrobial activity of M. bijugatus extracts is studied. It was found that the presence of these extracts is capable of improving the antimicrobial activities of chitosan-starch films. The performance of the modified films suggests their potential application as novel food packaging materials and encourages further research.

Encephalopathy and encephalitis during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Spanish Society of Neurology COVID-19 Registry. / Encefalopatías y encefalitis durante la infección aguda por SARS-CoV2. Registro de la Sociedad Española de Neurología SEN COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish Society of Neurology has run a registry of patients with neurological involvement for the purpose of informing clinical neurologists. Encephalopathy and encephalitis were among the most frequently reported complications. In this study, we analyse the characteristics of these complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, observational, multicentre study of patients with symptoms compatible with encephalitis or encephalopathy, entered in the Spanish Society of Neurology's COVID-19 Registry from 17 March to 6 June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients with neurological symptoms were registered, including 51 cases of encephalopathy or encephalitis (21.9%). None of these patients were healthcare professionals. The most frequent syndromes were mild or moderate confusion (33%) and severe encephalopathy or coma (9.8%). The mean time between onset of infection and onset of neurological symptoms was 8.02 days. Lumbar puncture was performed in 60.8% of patients, with positive PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in only one case. Brain MRI studies were performed in 47% of patients, with alterations detected in 7.8% of these. EEG studies were performed in 41.3% of cases, detecting alterations in 61.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Encephalopathy and encephalitis are among the complications most frequently reported in the registry. More than one-third of patients presented mild or moderate confusional syndrome. The mean time from onset of infection to onset of neurological symptoms was 8 days (up to 24hours earlier in women than in men). EEG was the most sensitive test in these patients, with very few cases presenting alterations in neuroimaging studies. All patients treated with boluses of corticosteroids or immunoglobulins progressed favourably.

[Clinical experience in the treatment of motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease. Delphi consensus of a group of experts in movement disorders]. / Experiencia clínica en el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Consenso Delphi de un grupo de expertos en trastornos del movimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Motor fluctuations are one of the most common complications of Parkinson's disease and their treatment is still a complex matter. Therefore, from the Neurology Movement Disorders Group we present our clinical experience in the treatment of these complications, with the intention of it being useful in decision-making in daily clinical practice. DEVELOPMENT: Nineteen questions were developed based on a literature review and an open survey answered by members of this group. These issues were discussed in two phases, using the Delphi methodology. Considering the results of the survey, levodopa dose adjustment and dopamine agonists are the option with the best efficacy/tolerability ratio in the treatment of motor fluctuations. Rotigotine is useful in the motor fluctuations associated with gastroparesis, and intermittent subcutaneous apomorphine has positive effects in patients with unpredictable off periods. The most relevant adverse effect associated with dopamine agonists is impulse control disorder. Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors are useful in the initial stages of motor fluctuations, especially in wearing off. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are generally drugs that are well-tolerated and useful in motor fluctuations. If these measures are not effective, second-line treatments should be indicated on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSION: The clinical profile of patients with Parkinson's disease is paramount in deciding the most appropriate therapy for the treatment of motor fluctuations.

TITLE: Experiencia clínica en el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Consenso Delphi de un grupo de expertos en trastornos del movimiento.Introducción. Las fluctuaciones motoras son una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en la enfermedad de Parkinson y su tratamiento sigue siendo complejo. Por ello, desde el Grupo de Trastornos del Movimiento de la Asociación Madrileña de Neurología presentamos nuestra experiencia clínica en el tratamiento de estas complicaciones, con la intención de que sea de utilidad en la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica diaria. Desarrollo. Se elaboraron 19 preguntas a partir de una revisión bibliográfica y una encuesta abierta respondida por los miembros de dicho grupo. Dichas cuestiones se debatieron en dos fases, utilizando la metodología Delphi. Considerando los resultados de la encuesta, el ajuste de la dosis de levodopa y los agonistas dopaminérgicos son la opción con mejor relación eficacia/tolerabilidad en el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras. La rotigotina es útil en las fluctuaciones motoras asociadas a gastroparesia, y la apomorfina subcutánea intermitente, en pacientes con off impredecible. El efecto adverso más relevante asociado a los agonistas dopaminérgicos es el trastorno del control de impulsos. Los inhibidores de la catecol-O-metiltransferasa son útiles en las fluctuaciones motoras de inicio, especialmente en el wearing off. Los inhibidores de la monoaminooxidasa son fármacos, en general, bien tolerados y útiles en las fluctuaciones motoras. En caso de que estas medidas no resulten eficaces, se deben indicar terapias de segunda línea de manera individualizada. Conclusión. El perfil clínico del paciente con enfermedad de Parkinson es primordial para decidir la terapia más adecuada en el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras.

Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery as a treatment for essential and parkinsonian tremor: long-term experience. / Radiocirugía estereotáctica con Gamma Knife® como tratamiento del temblor esencial y parkinsoniano: experiencia a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral Gamma Knife™ stereotactic radiosurgery on the ventral-intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is a minimally invasive neurosurgical option for refractory tremor. We describe the experience of Gamma Knife™ thalamotomy (GKT) in patients with essential tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (PD) at our specialised stereotactic neurosurgery unit. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of patients treated with GKT between January 2014 and February 2018 with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. We analysed clinical and demographic variables, indication, radiation dose, effectiveness (based on subscales of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin [FTM] scale and the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] motor score), and adverse events. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were registered, 6 with a diagnosis of tremor-dominant PD, four with refractory ET, and three with ET and PD. Median age was 78 years (range, 62-83), with seven patients aged over 75 years. Four patients were receiving anticoagulants and two had history of stroke. The maximum radiation dose administered was 130 Gy. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up duration was 30.0 (14.5) months. Significant tremor improvement was observed on the FTM subscales: 63.6% at 12 months and 63.5% at the end of follow-up; MDS-UPDRS tremor items showed improvements of 71.3% at 12 months and 60.3% at the end of follow up. Eleven patients reported significant improvements in quality of life, and 3 reported mild and transient adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series of patients with essential and parkinsonian tremor treated with GKT and followed up in the long term in Spain. GKT can be safe and effective in the long term in patients with refractory tremor, including in elderly patients and those receiving anticoagulants.

Evaluación y abordaje del estreñimiento en el paciente crítico / Evaluation and handling of constipation in critical patients

Objetivo: Valorar la eficacia de los cuidados enfermeros frente al estreñimiento e identificar, analizar y evaluar sus causas y consecuencias. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo, en UCI polivalentes de un hospital de tercer nivel (2013-2015). Criterios de inclusión: >18 años, estancia >7 días, con ventilación mecánica, portadores de sonda nasogástrica y nutrición enteral o mixta. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedad digestiva, encefalopáticos y con yeyunostomía/ileostomía. Las variables estudiadas (edad, sexo, peso, talla, enfermedad, tratamiento médico, tipo de nutrición y volumen, características deposicionales, cantidad y frecuencia, medidas correctoras y complicaciones) se recogieron mediante parrilla ad hoc. Dispone de autorización CEIC. Resultados: Se analizaron 139 pacientes con edad media de 62 años y estancia media de 11 días; un 63% padecieron estreñimiento. Opiáceos y antiácidos fueron los fármacos más administrados (99%), aunque los relajantes musculares, suplementos de hierro y/o calcio y antihipertensivos fueron los que dieron más estreñimiento (77, 75 y 70%). La dieta sin fibra fue la más utilizada (60% estreñidos), seguida de dieta con fibra (51% estreñidos) y la combinación de ambas (85% estreñidos) Un 56% usó laxantes como medida correctora, siendo el hidróxido de magnesio el más utilizado; un 54% las iniciaron el primer día. La retención gástrica fue la complicación más relevante (49%). Conclusión: El estreñimiento es un problema real multifactorial. Recomendamos: · Intensificar la vigilancia en pacientes con fármacos que favorecen el estreñimiento. · Utilizar dietas con fibra desde el inicio. ·Aplicar de forma precoz y combinada procinéticos y laxantes. Creemos necesario crear un protocolo para la profilaxis y manejo del estreñimiento (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care against constipation and to identify, analyze and evaluate causes and consequences. Methodology: Observational, descriptive and prospective study in polyvalent ICU tertiary hospital (2013-2015). Inclusion criteria: >18 years, stay >7 days, connected to respiratory support, with nasogastric tube and enteral or mixed nutrition. Patients with gastrointestinal pathology, encephalopathic and jejunostomy/ileostomy were excluded. The studied variables (age, sex, weight, height, pathology, medical treatment, nutrition and volume type, depositional characteristics, quantity and frequency, corrective measures and complications) were collected by ad hoc grill. It is authorized by the CEIC. Results: 139 patients with a mean age of 62 years and average stay of 11 days were analyzed; 63% suffered from constipation. Opiates and antacid were the drugs administered most frequently (99%), even though patients who took muscle relaxants, iron supplements and/or calcium and anti-hypertensive were the ones who suffered most from constipation (77%; 75%; 70%) The fiber free diet was the most widely used (60% constipated), followed by dietary fiber (51% constipated), and the combination of both (85% constipated). 56% used laxatives as a corrective measure, Magnesium Hydroxide being the most widely used; 54% began the first day. Gastric retention was the most relevant complication (49%). Conclusion: Constipation is a real multifactorial problem. We recommend: ·Intensified surveillance in patients with drugs that promote constipation. ·Use high-fiber diets from the outset. ·Apply laxatives and prokinetics early and in combination. We need to create a protocol for prophylaxis and management of constipation (AU)

The circadian transcriptome of marine fish (Sparus aurata) larvae reveals highly synchronized biological processes at the whole organism level.

The regulation of circadian gene expression remains largely unknown in farmed fish larvae. In this study, a high-density oligonucleotide microarray was used to examine the daily expression of 13,939 unique genes in whole gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae with fast growth potentiality. Up to 2,229 genes were differentially expressed, and the first two components of Principal Component Analysis explained more than 81% of the total variance. Clustering analysis of differentially expressed genes identified 4 major clusters that were triggered sequentially, with a maximum expression at 0 h, 3 h, 9-15 h and 18-21 h zeitgeber time. Various core clock genes (per1, per2, per3, bmal1, cry1, cry2, clock) were identified in clusters 1-3, and their expression was significantly correlated with several genes in each cluster. Functional analysis revealed a daily consecutive activation of canonical pathways related to phototransduction, intermediary metabolism, development, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle regulation. This daily transcriptome of whole larvae resembles a cell cycle (G1/S, G2/M, and M/G1 transitions) in synchronization with multicellular processes, such as neuromuscular development. This study supports that the actively feeding fish larval transcriptome is temporally organized in a 24-h cycle, likely for maximizing growth and development.

Evaluation and handling of constipation in critical patients. / Evaluación y abordaje del estreñimiento en el paciente crítico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care against constipation and to identify, analyze and evaluate causes and consequences. METHODOLOGY: Observational, descriptive and prospective study in polyvalent ICU tertiary hospital (2013-2015). INCLUSION CRITERIA: >18 years, stay >7 days, connected to respiratory support, with nasogastric tube and enteral or mixed nutrition. Patients with gastrointestinal pathology, encephalopathic and jejunostomy/ileostomy were excluded. The studied variables (age, sex, weight, height, pathology, medical treatment, nutrition and volume type, depositional characteristics, quantity and frequency, corrective measures and complications) were collected by ad hoc grill. It is authorized by the CEIC. RESULTS: 139 patients with a mean age of 62 years and average stay of 11 days were analyzed; 63% suffered from constipation. Opiates and antacid were the drugs administered most frequently (99%), even though patients who took muscle relaxants, iron supplements and/or calcium and anti-hypertensive were the ones who suffered most from constipation (77%; 75%; 70%) The fiber free diet was the most widely used (60% constipated), followed by dietary fiber (51% constipated), and the combination of both (85% constipated). 56% used laxatives as a corrective measure, Magnesium Hydroxide being the most widely used; 54% began the first day. Gastric retention was the most relevant complication (49%). CONCLUSION: Constipation is a real multifactorial problem. We recommend: • Intensified surveillance in patients with drugs that promote constipation. • Use high-fiber diets from the outset. • Apply laxatives and prokinetics early and in combination. We need to create a protocol for prophylaxis and management of constipation.

Multi-class determination of undesirables in aquaculture samples by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization: A novel approach for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

In this work, a method for the analysis of 24 PAHs in 19 different matrices, including fish tissues, feeds and feed ingredients, has been developed using gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source (GC-APCI-MS/MS). The method is based on a modification of the unbuffered QuEChERS method, using freezing as an additional clean-up step and applying a 20-fold dilution factor to the final extract. The procedure was also tested for 15 pesticides and 7 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in order to widen the scope of the method. The excellent sensitivity and selectivity provided by GC-APCI-MS/MS allowed the dilution of the sample extracts and quantification using calibration with standards in solvent for all the 19 matrices tested. The developed method was evaluated at 2, 5 and 50ngg-1 spiking levels. LOQs were 2ngg-1 for most compounds, and LODs ranged from 0.5 to 2ngg-1. Analysis of real-world samples revealed the presence of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene at concentration levels ranging from 4.8 to 187ngg-1. No PCBs, DDTs and pesticides were found in fillets from salmon and sea bream.

Comprehensive strategy for pesticide residue analysis through the production cycle of gilthead sea bream and Atlantic salmon.

Plant ingredients and processed animal proteins are alternative feedstuffs for fish feeds in aquaculture. However, their use can introduce contaminants like pesticides that are not previously associated with marine Atlantic salmon and gilthead sea bream farming. This study covers the screening of around 800 pesticides by gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry in matrices throughout the entire marine food production chain. Prior to analysis of real-world samples, the screening methodology was validated for 252 pesticides to establish the screening detection limit. This was 0.01 mg kg-1 for 113 pesticides (45%), 0.05 mg kg-1 for 73 pesticides (29%) and >0.05 mg kg-1 for 66 pesticides (26%). After that, a quantitative methodology based on GC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source (GC-APCI-MS/MS) was optimized for the pesticides found in the screening. Although several polar pesticides, of which pirimiphos methyl and chlorpyriphos-methyl were most dominant, were found in plant material and feeds based on these ingredients, none of them were observed in fillets of Atlantic salmon and gilthead sea bream fed on these feeds.

Seasonal dynamics of ixodid ticks on wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (Leporidae) from Central Spain.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and Myxomatosis caused a decline in the rabbit population in the second half of the last century. Despite some recovery, the risk of vector-borne disease is present and thus the importance of controlling vector populations. In the current study, we describe the ixodid tick fauna in wild rabbit in a natural reserve in Ciudad Real (Central Spain) during the course of two 3-year periods (2007-2009 and 2012-2014). Of all the ticks collected on average 72.5 % were larvae, 24.4 % nymphs and 3.1 % adults, although the percentage varied monthly. Seven tick species were identified: Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch (Parasitic indicator [PI] = number of ticks per examined rabbit = 96.47), Rhipicephalus pusillus Gil Collado (PI = 47.37), Haemaphysalis hispanica Gil Collado (PI = 12.15), Ixodes ventalloi Gil Collado (PI = 0.65), R. bursa Canestrini and Fanzago (PI = 0.18), R. sanguineus Latreille (PI = 0.11), Dermacentor marginatus Sulzer (PI = 0.01). In spring and summer, most abundant were larvae of H. lusitanicum, followed by immature stages of R. pusillus and Ha. hispanica. In autumn, the main tick species were nymphs of I. ventalloi whereas in winter adults of Ha. hispanica were more numerous. Rhipicephalus pusillus was present all year long, although not always in high percentage. PI of other species (R. bursa, R. sanguineus and D. marginatus) were too low to be representative. The seasonal dynamics of ticks on wild rabbit defined in this study could be useful to design species-specific control strategies.

Control of Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidade) Ticks Infesting Oryctolagus cuniculus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) Using the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in Field Conditions.

Entomopathogenic fungi are widely used to control arthropods not just in agricultural settings but also in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health. These products have been employed to control tick populations and tick-borne diseases. The effectiveness of these control measures not only depends on the fungi, but also on the tick species and environmental conditions. In Mesomediterranean areas, tick species are adapted to extreme climatic conditions and it is therefore especially important to develop suitable tick control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of tick control which entails the application of a commercial strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo, Vuillemin) on wild rabbit burrows under field conditions. Aqueous solutions of the product were applied using a mist blower sprayer into 1,717 burrows. Two trials were performed, one in spring and the other in summer. The parasitic index (PI) was calculated for 10 rabbits per treatment per time point on day +30, +60, and +90 posttreatment and efficiency was calculated by comparing the PI for ticks in treated and untreated rabbits. A total of 20,234 ixodid ticks were collected. Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch, 1844 was the most abundant tick feeding on rabbits. Treatment significantly reduced the PI in spring (by 78.63% and 63.28% on day +30 and +60, respectively; P < 0.05), but appeared to be less effective in summer, with a marginally significant tick reduction of 35.72% on day +30 (P = 0.05). Results suggest that the efficacy of applications inside burrows could be temperature-dependent and that such applications could be an economic alternative to rabbit tick control during at least two months using a diluted solution of B. bassiana conidia.